Two men are accused of brutally beating a 73-year-old man Thursday during an apparent road-rage incident in Slidell, police said.

Brett McCraney, 19, and Adonis Young, 26, were arrested on charges of disturbing the peace and second-degree battery, the Slidell Police Department said.

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Investigators determined that the beating was a result of an apparent road-rage incident that was reported Thursday morning.

Slidell police were notified before noon of a fight near Reine Avenue and Old Spanish Trail. The 911 caller told officers that two young men were beating an elderly man who was still in a vehicle.

Officers arrived to the area and discovered McCraney and Young hiding in a house. Investigators said the victim was found nearby with severe injuries.

McCraney told officers that he and Young were walking across Reine Avenue when the 73-year-old man almost hit them with his car. McCraney and Young started yelling at the man, who pulled over to the side of the road, police said.

Investigators said McCraney and Young believed the man pulling over was a sign of aggression. McCraney told officers that he felt "he had to defend his territory" and "show him what was up."

McCraney said he began to beat the victim who was still seated in the driver's seat of the car, police said. Young went to the passenger side, opened the door and also began hitting the man.

Officials said the 73-year-old man was taken to a local hospital, but was later transported to a hospital in New Orleans because of his severe facial injuries. Investigators said he was unable to remember details of the incident.

Investigators said McCraney and Young could face additional charges because of the age of the victim.

Additional details were not released.

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